What to Do if You Knock Out a Tooth

One common dental emergency that many people face is having a tooth dislodged from its socket. If this happens to you, it is important that you see a dentist as soon as possible. The actions that you take immediately after your tooth has been knocked out will also be a significant factor in whether it can be saved.

Be Careful How You Handle the Tooth

When you touch the tooth, you should only touch the crown to avoid causing damage to the root. If the tooth has become dirty, you can clean it by rinsing it with water. However, you should avoid over handling the tooth. Under no circumstances should you handle the tooth roughly by scrubbing it or using soap. It is not necessary to dry the tooth off or wrap it in a cloth or tissue.

Place the Tooth Back in Your Mouth

Your tooth will have the highest chances of survival if it is replaced in its socket immediately. You should do this carefully by gently using your fingers to reinsert the tooth. Another method entails suspending the tooth over the socket and then slowly closing your mouth, using your finger to anchor the tooth into place.

Make Sure the Tooth Remains Moist

Your tooth should not be allowed to dry out. Use an emergency tooth preservation kit, preferably one with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Whether or not you are involved in sports or activities that can knock out a tooth, investing in a tooth preservation kit is a resource you may want to have readily available in case this type of emergency arises. If you have no kit on hand, there are other actions you can take to ensure that the tooth is being moisturized and nourished until your dentist can place it back where it belongs:

See a Dental Professional As Soon As Possible

Ideally, you want to see your dentist or endodontist no more than one hour after you have sustained your injury. The exact actions they take will depend on a variety of factors, including the length of time your tooth was out of your mouth. Typically, the dentist will assess the condition of the tooth, flush away any debris in the socket and then reinsert the tooth. The tooth will be hitched to adjacent teeth using dental material or soft wire so that it does not dislodge as it heals.

If you have sustained trauma that has damaged your teeth, contact us at Dental Care of Frisco. We will discuss the dental care you need to help restore your oral health and smile.